A few different takes:
First, Afgan is seen by both the Russkies & Chicoms as a problem spot that they were happy to have in American hands. Now it’s their problem, and there are NO natural alliances here, anywhere.
The supply chain was already in serious trouble from China Virus. Demented Perv Biteme has just added to the America First reality. Gotta get stuff somewhere.
China wants Afghanistan for it’s rare earth elements. The Chinese don’t care if Afghan women wear burqas/masks...oops, I mean full hear coverings or not...
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/afghanistan-holds-enormous-bounty-of-rare-earths/
Recent exploration of rare volcanic rocks in the rugged, dangerous desert of southern Afghanistan has identified world-class concentrations of rare earth elements, the prized group of raw materials that are essential in the manufacture of many modern technologies, from electric cars to solar panels. So far, geologists say, they have mapped one million metric tons of these critical elements, which include lanthanum, cerium and neodymium.
That’s enough to supply the world’s rare earth needs for 10 years based on current consumption
China provides more than 85 per cent of the world’s rare earths and is home to about two-thirds of the global supply of scarce metals and minerals like antimony and baryte, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).Apr 25, 2021
China’s dominance of rare earths supply is a growing concern ...
https://www.scmp.com › News › China › Diplomacy
About featured snippets
Why does China produce the most rare earth elements?
What percentage of rare earth metals does China have?
90 percent
As of 2019, China still produced roughly 85 percent of the world’s rare earth oxides and approximately 90 percent of rare earth metals, alloys, and permanent magnets.
Rare Earth Elements:
https://www.airforcemag.com/article/rare-elements-of-security/
Neodymium has the world’s mightiest magnetic powers, making it essential for missile guidance systems. Lanthanum enhances the clarity of glass, particularly for high-end camera lenses, such as those used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and phosphorescent europium warms the hues in LED lights and plasma displays, while its unique neutron-absorbing properties make it a crucial ingredient in the control rods used in nuclear reactors.
All three are part of a class of 17 elements known as rare-earth metals that are critical for modern technologies, from cellphones to aircraft engines, and from missiles to aircraft carriers. Yet despite their critical nature, the U.S. depends on China for 80 percent of its rare-earth metal consumption.